Dear Editor,
It is without any doubt that Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has been an outstanding and perhaps the best Prime Minister Guyana has ever had in recent times.

It is true that the Brigadier who spent most of his adult life (1980-2016) in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and became its Chief of Staff, has shown or had little interest in politics during that period.

As the head of the army, his primary responsibility was to protect and defend the territory integrity of the country, assist the civil power in the maintenance of peace, law and order when required to do so, and contribute to the economic development of Guyana, a task Brigadier Phillips had cherished and revered.

However, prior to assuming the second highest political office in the land as Prime Minister, he had developed a keen interest in politics and, by all accounts, has not so far made any significant mistakes in the execution of his duties, or has not been involved in any controversy or has caused any ill-will with the residents.

He is fully aware that, as Prime Minister, his role is to serve the people to the best of his ability and with the powers vested in him without any bias, fear, or favour. Well, like his peers and Guyanese at home and in the diaspora, Brigadier Phillips has done far more than what is expected of him at this juncture. He is committed to support President Dr. Ali to advance the development of Guyana and make it one of prosperous, safe and well-respected country.

Prime Minister Phillips is an optimist and a loyalist, with unwavering support for President Dr. Ali and the government. He is devoted to the task of rapidly developing the country and improving the well-being of the masses, especially the poor and downtrodden. This is evident in his outreaches throughout the country to meet and greet the people, solve their problems, and to make sure that they have a bright and successful life.

The PM has made it quite clear that during the last three and a half years; the government has embarked on some robust programmes and good governance to make sure that all its citizens are treated fairly and equitably regardless of race, status, religious beliefs, or party affiliation.

On numerous occasions, PM Phillips has echoed the sentiments of His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, who from time to time has told the nation that the development of the country is in everyone’s interest and that no one will be left out of the process. Prime Minister Phillips has all the qualities of a good leader and has assured the youth that the government will help them become the most successful, confident, and happy versions of themselves by making sure they have access to all the endowments they need to change their daily lives for the better.

As the head of the GDF, Brigadier Phillips military experience has taught him a valuable lesson about the nature of humans. He realised that people, especially youths, are not passive objects to be manipulated but active agents with great dreams, aspirations, and abilities who do not want to be managed but to be led, guided, inspired, motivated and empowered.

He is a wise, practical, and disciplined leader with unique qualities who believes in the principles of democracy, transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. And while some have asserted that his leadership skills are derived from his tenure in the army, others have contended that he is a natural, rational, and gifted leader with some of the purest qualities ever found in home sapiens.

He is selfless, friendly, compassionate, and cheerful, and he bears no grudges. Neither is he vindictive nor acrimonious. He is a consummate and skillful politician, a distinguished leader, and a genuine, superb, and blessed Prime Minister.

Sincerely,
Dr. Asquith Rose